Squadron Green and White putty, difference?

As far as I know the only difference is the color - the white being easier to cover with lighter coloured paints.

The white formula seems to be a finer grit than the green stuff.  

Dre

The white formula seems to be a finer grit than the green stuff.  

Milairjunkie- I was told by a different guy at the store that the green putty was better for dark colors.

PaperPanzer, it depends.  

When used as a filler, I've found the white putty to be very tractable to work with, but once cured it is oftentimes much more brittle than the green putty.  Used straight from the tube and fully dried, either one can be sanded and shaped easily; neither one polishes to a very high luster as they both retain that gritty character.  You have to look out as both types will melt the plastic if you use too much.  

I use them mixed very thin with Testor's cement and finely shaved sprue (mix all ingredients to a runny goop, shake or stir often and enjoy!) when gluing stuff together that has either small gaps or seam blemishes.   This mix can be polished to a very high luster with no visible seam or gap remaining, more so than using the putties as intended.  

hope that helps

I switched to the white putty to make it easier to paint over. They both worked the same for me. If I'm going to have to rescribe lines, though, I use super glue.

Glenn

I've read this white vs green many times over the years in many different forums. Has anyone ever asked Squadron what the difference is?

Used both for the first time a few weeks ago.  My immediate reaction without having read anything on it before (i.e. no bias) was that white was a finer grit/grade.  I started with the green and found that it was hard to work with as it was very gritty, and thought I may as well try the white instead as I had both.  It was much easier to work with.

This is what Squadron says about the putty. I have talked to one of the old owners and he said the formula for the  white is finer.

Thad

Dre

PaperPanzer, it depends.  

When used as a filler, I've found the white putty to be very tractable to work with, but once cured it is oftentimes much more brittle than the green putty.  Used straight from the tube and fully dried, either one can be sanded and shaped easily; neither one polishes to a very high luster as they both retain that gritty character.  You have to look out as both types will melt the plastic if you use too much.  

I use them mixed very thin with Testor's cement and finely shaved sprue (mix all ingredients to a runny goop, shake or stir often and enjoy!) when gluing stuff together that has either small gaps or seam blemishes.   This mix can be polished to a very high luster with no visible seam or gap remaining, more so than using the putties as intended.  

hope that helps

Not to change the direction of this post but since we are on the subject of putty. Does anyone use the bondo spot putty that is available in auto parts stores? I have never used it but have heard that a lot of people love it.

Chris

I used Bondo a long time ago, when my dad bought it to try it out. I didn't have any problems with it, thought it to be about the same as Squadron putty, and it is easier to get hold of than some of the hobby stuff.

Glenn

The main problem I have with the putty's mentioned is that they do not have a very long shelf life once they are opened.

I've made sure the caps and threads on the metal neck were clean. No air pockets in the tube. I've stored them in one of those food storage bags that sucks out all the air when you attach them to a special pump.

It hasn't made much of a difference.

They are stored inside my house and are not exposed to temperature extremes.

MITSDUDE: Really? How long do they last for you? I am still using putty my dad had from the 80's, and it works fine.

I've got a tube of Bondo i use thats 30+ yrs old .

I have only used the green Squadron Putty.

Of those who have used both white and green, do you have a preference?

I've used both, and find no appreciable difference between them. I usually use the white just so it's easier to paint over and I can use it on cars.

I prefer the green over the white, but just barely.  

I've used the Bondo and it works fine and comes out cheaper than the Squadron tube in the long run. I've had issues with older tubes separating into a liquid and the red filler being more akin to Playdough when this happens.

Now that you mention it Rob i've had that issue also . I put a glob of it in an empty Tamiya paint jar and thin it with lacquer thinner .

I've had my tube of green putty for about 8 years now - no problems.

Griffin

I've had my tube of green putty for about 8 years now - no problems.

How on earth do you get it to last that long. I am lucky if i get to use a quarter of the tube. My current has split and the bottom half thats left has gone rock hard and the stuff at the top isn't easy to use. I never get full use out of it.

Perhaps it's the climate, how you store the tube, or if you abuse it in any way (cracks, ect.)

Does it have an expiration or best used by date?                                                  (Similar to the two packages of Cheese I found in my Fridge that expired last September? I was about to make myself a Grilled Cheese Sandwich when I got the feeling I should check).   
I'm down to 1/2 Tube and I have to squeeze out a 1/4 inch or more to get to a soft enough part that's viable. I never ever leave it open and I bought this Tube three years ago.

It's six years older now. I prefer Bondo Glazing Putty. Buy a fresh tube every year.

Hi ;

 I read this with interest . I have used 3-M Spot glazing putty in red  , now for over fifty five years . It's mainly for getting fine blemishes out of a car finish in primer befor the final coats of paint .

 I have used both Testors and Tamiya putties as well . The tube of Squadron I have now is about five years old . If I have to use hobby brand fillers I will usually use Squadron .The others seem a little soft and brittle when re-creating panel lines .

 I always make sure the tubes are stored top up in a rack made to accomodate the various sized tubes . Also , I definitely make sure I don't get those soft plastic tops cross-threaded ! You can accidently do this and air will sneak in there and the putty will also off gas through the fine opening you've created . rRsult , one tube shaped block of hardened filler !

mitsdude

The main problem I have with the putty's mentioned is that they do not have a very long shelf life once they are opened.

I've made sure the caps and threads on the metal neck were clean. No air pockets in the tube. I've stored them in one of those food storage bags that sucks out all the air when you attach them to a special pump.

It hasn't made much of a difference.

They are stored inside my house and are not exposed to temperature extremes.

 

Hi;

     I use both . Now , the Tamiya putty , I still have reservations about it . It seems to dry at a slower rate , but , also leaving a harder surface ! The Green and White Squadron Putty seems to be softer and more amenable to working and shaping when dry .

 The only dissappointing thing about either is that they seem to chip out easier when doing fine corners and stuff . Large areas , well feathered , is what they seem to be great at !